Trinity Lutheran School
Joppa, MD 21085
Phone: (410) 679-4000
GreatSchools Rating
private • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 • 280 students
Trinity Lutheran School, a private school located in Joppa, MD, serves grades K-8 in the .
Trinity Lutheran School is a private school located in Joppa, MD. 280 students attend Trinity Lutheran School.
Posted: March 15, 2025
First of all, the beloved Headmaster retired and that was absolutely devastating. He had such a kind, caring heart and was so committed to the success of the students. He was kind, but firm, and just an all around wonderful person. He was replaced by an often pretentious little man who never should have been in any kind of an administrative role. If you have a child that requires support services, run for the hills! Special education services in this school are atrocious. The arrogance of the Special Education teacher is astounding. I recently found out that he was hired because he is friends with the most recent Headmaster. This explains the overinflated egos of both men. My child has not thrived at this school, he has fallen behind and I fear actually regressed. We thought we were giving our son a Christ-centered education with smaller class sizes, however, this couldnt be further from the truth. We have actually placed him into an environment where his support services are extremely lacking and the to be honest, so is the Christ-centered education. The school will be closing end of this school year which is not surprising at all. It would not have mattered because we werent subjecting our son to another year of falling behind.
Posted: March 15, 2025
Posted: March 15, 2025
Posted: March 15, 2025
Posted: March 15, 2025
Posted: March 15, 2025
Posted: March 15, 2025
Posted: March 15, 2025
Posted: November 27, 2023
Posted: November 27, 2023
Posted: November 27, 2023
Posted: November 27, 2023
Posted: November 27, 2023
Posted: November 27, 2023
Posted: November 27, 2023
Posted: November 27, 2023
Horrible school do not go here at all!!
Posted: June 3, 2021
I wanted to share my experience with parents who are potentially considering this school. I was initially hesitant with this school as the older reviews had some negative comments - though not surprising as people tend to comment more often with negative experiences. Admittedly I was not looking for a church based school but with Covid our options were very limited with in person learning being our preferred method of teaching. We are fortunate to have access to a larger public school that rates very high on this website. Our child did well at that public school, some of which is due to the resources they offered. I was concerned that the resources at this smaller school would not be available and church based curriculum would occupy too much time. These concerns never materialized, in fact they were able to provide the necessary electronic devices sooner than families that went to the public school and the time dedicated to teaching the principles of the bible was well balanced.
The leadership at this school goes above and beyond. Mr. Gast (Head of School) is in the parking lot greeting us almost everyday at 6am. A message is sent almost every night to provide information or notices of upcoming events. Mr. Gast and the teachers/staff have evaluated our child at an individual level and offered to provide some modifications to their academic path. School work and effectiveness of teacher was rated at 4 out of 5. This is not a critique of the teacher but rather the challenges of teaching for the first time in this hybrid model. In speaking to friends with children of similar age who opted for remote learning, they were impressed by the pace of the material our child was provided.
We looked at several highly regarded private school in the Baltimore area and a few in Harford County. This school is truly a hidden gem. The tuition is half to a third less than the other schools we contacted. The education provided is in line with our expectation even under normal circumstances. Selecting this school was the correct decision for us. In fact, our child's preference to stay at this school reinforces that fact. Would suggest to any parents considering this school to stop by and meet with the team to assess if this is the right school for your child.
Posted: June 3, 2021
Posted: June 3, 2021
Posted: June 3, 2021
Posted: June 3, 2021
Posted: June 3, 2021
Posted: June 3, 2021
Posted: June 3, 2021
Posted: September 21, 2017
Hello! I am a teacher at Trinity, and I wanted to respond to the previous review. To the parent that posted about your child's Math class, have you contacted the Middle School director? I'm sure she will make every effort to ensure your child has the correct placement. If there is any way that I can help, please let me know! Thanks so much! -Laura Smith, Technology Instructor and Social Media Manager
Posted: September 5, 2017
Posted: September 5, 2017
Posted: September 5, 2017
Posted: September 5, 2017
Not very good. My daughter is an EXCELLENT student and she is forced to take a lesser math class because of scheduling. This school is MAINLY worried about your money!!
Posted: September 5, 2017
Posted: September 5, 2017
Posted: September 5, 2017
Posted: August 7, 2016
There are a couple of good teachers at this school but the bad ones out weigh the good efforts of the others. Math is a big problem as the students are ill equipped to compete I n public schools when they leave the school.
Posted: August 7, 2016
The lower school and middle school differ significantly in the amounts of homework given. Often they assign big projects that are due within days with little notice.
Posted: August 7, 2016
The students are not treated fairly, especially if you are a boy. Boy's are treated harshly, especially by the middle school director and headmaste. They view boys as a nuisance and annoying.
Posted: August 7, 2016
If you want your child to receive a quality education, this is not the school you want, if you want your child to receive a Christian education this school is not it, but if you are trying to escape the poor public school system you are assigned to, than it is o.k for lower school students. Adolescent middle schoolers will not fair well, the teachers and administrators are ill equipped to handle them and the headmaster has an off with the head philosophy. While the there are a few of good teachers this school is not worth the money it costs.
Posted: April 6, 2016
Posted: April 6, 2016
Posted: April 6, 2016
Posted: April 6, 2016
My children love this school! As a parent I have always been very happy with the education they are receiving.
Posted: February 19, 2016
Posted: February 19, 2016
Posted: February 19, 2016
Posted: February 19, 2016
TLS is a great school. I wish they have HS as well. I have 2 kids attending the school. Excellent academic, zero- tolerance for bullying and school violence, smart teachers, and excellent support from the Headmaster are just some of the reason why we love the school. The school had given us support financially when not able to afford the tuition during the financial crisis. The TLS prepares the students to become servant leaders and good citizens. The school pushes the student to do their best academically and this is a good preparation for students to be ready for HS and college lives.
Posted: February 5, 2016
Posted: February 5, 2016
In addition to the homework, students are required to finish any class work that was not completed that day.
Posted: February 5, 2016
The administration and teachers do not demonstrate these qualities. Children learn more from what they see than what is preached to them.
Posted: February 5, 2016
The headmaster, administration and teachers are not equipped to deal with the young adolescences in middle school. There were cases of bullying and racism that were not handled appropriately. The continuance of these issues in a Christian school is unacceptable.
Posted: August 11, 2015
Posted: August 11, 2015
Posted: August 11, 2015
Posted: August 11, 2015
Trinity is well ahead of the public schools in there educational system. They have good teachers and Mrs Ree and Pastor John are wonderful to work with. My only criticism would be the parking lot is a bit odd for picking up and dropping off but otherwise the school is great and the kids are getting an excellent education.
Posted: August 5, 2015
The Early Learning Center is wonderful. We feel comfortable and at ease knowing that my child is being cared for in a Christian environment with great teachers. As a parent of a toddler, I am very happy with the teachers and how loving they are.
Posted: August 3, 2015
Posted: August 3, 2015
Posted: August 3, 2015
Posted: February 9, 2015
Trinity Lutheran School is a great school. My daughter is doing well and since starting in the pre-k program she has grown by leaps and bounds. Sixth grade is good and she is enjoying her teachers. They are helpful, dedicated, flexible and committed to the needs of each child. I love this school and know that you would too!!!!!
Posted: February 7, 2015
At Trinity, you will feel at ease sending your child to school. Everyone is so friendly, courteous, and respectful. The children are always excited about all of the special events that Trinity provides, to break the mundane of studies. There is so much positive energy all of the time. I love how my daughter is learning the fundamentals in school, in addition to, how her character is building. She will be attending next year as a second grader! We are truly blessed and thankful to have such a great school.
Posted: February 2, 2015
I am very pleased with the education my children are receiving at Trinity. The teachers are excellent, as well as their communication. They always get back to you when you have something to discuss. I would highly recommend Trinity for any prospective parent. My children are doing very well in this school.
Posted: January 31, 2015
We have 2 children in the middle school program. Lots of good things to say about the school: small class size, caring teachers, varied curriculum, good after school programs, responsive administrators, extremely safe learning environment. Our children have done well on the national standardized tests, and we feel that is a large result of the excellent teaching at TLS. Certainly one of the best schools in this area of Maryland. On the down side, not much: The elementary and middles school have different start times (which could be difficult for parents with multiple children), parking situation is awkward, still awaiting the expansion/building program that has been proposed, and a fair amount of homework (we think that's okay/good, but does require a lot of parent involvement). TLS is an excellent choice for your child's education, safety, well-being, and overall development.
Posted: January 31, 2015
We have been sending our children to Trinity Lutheran School since 2012 (for 3 years). The school has been so supportive of our children and their needs to grow. My oldest daughter was 2 years old when she started at Trinity Lutheran Child Care. She was not were she was supposed to be in regards to speech. Trinity helped my daughter overcome her speech delay and we saw great improvement within 6 months. Trinity worked with the Harford County Infant and Toddlers Program to provide my daughter the needs and skills she needed. I really and truly appreciate everything the teachers and staff have provided my children. They create a very knowledgeable and caring Christian environment for children to learn and grow.
Posted: January 29, 2015
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Trinity Lutheran School!! Currently I have two children attending the Childcare Center at Trinity and both are in the care of the most loving, caring and supportive teachers. It is evident that they genuinely love their students!! At Trinity, there is no compromise, my children are in a truly Christ-centered environment all the while receiving a highly academic education. The curriculum is challenging and I believe it will more than prepare them for the years to come. That said, they are also given plenty of time to play and "just be kids" as is important at the ages of two and four. Each day I have no doubt my children are in the best care possible and I highly recommend Trinity Lutheran to anyone who asks!!!
Posted: September 2, 2014
Absolutely terrible. The staff/teachers are rude. It has only been a week and I'm getting ill feelings. The teachers never smile, or notice the parents. When introducing yourself they act as if it's forbidden to smile or greet you, especially the music teacher. I'm not sure if they are trained to do so, but they need to lighten up a bit. Not a happy or positive school for the kids. Kids mimmick what they see and hear, so therefore the staff needs to practice niceness, etc. The pastor is always begging for money even during times when the students should be celebrated. I'm removing my two students from this tense environement.
Posted: January 26, 2014
Trinity Lutheran School has many resources for a private school. Not only do they provide small class sizes but accommodate individual needs. Trinity has a resource teacher who can assist in helping students with academic challenges and if students need enrichment above what is being taught in their classrooms, a more challenging curriculum is provided for them on an individual basis. The school also provides a math and reading program for students who qualify under the Title 1 Program. Trinity has a school counselor who works with students individually, in groups, provides classroom lessons, and provides school wide programs. Students in grades K-8th also are taught Spanish. The middle school students are able to choose from various electives along with their core academic classes.
Posted: October 23, 2013
Trinity Lutheran lower school (K-4) was a wonderful experience for my child, however, the middle school leaves much to be desired. I don't fault the teachers, they do the best they can. I fault the headmaster for not following through with the rules listed in the handbook and taking control of his school, as well as, parents who believe that their child/ren are entitled because they are paying tuition. Something that really bothered me was Wednesday Chapel. This is a time for the middle school and later the lower school to all come together to worship. So many of the chapels are spent watching a video instead of worship. I was very disappointed that the pastor/headmaster did not use this time to really encourage the children to express their faith and love for Jesus.
Posted: October 7, 2013
Trinity has and continues to be the right match for us. The key words are "right match". No school can be the right match for everyone. Some of the previous negative comments are really off base, probably written by very angry people who could not have their way. I hope they found their right match.
Posted: September 22, 2013
If you are looking for a school where Christian values are taught, the teachers are highly qualified and caring, the building is modern and well-maintained, and technology is used everyday, then Trinity is the place for you.
Posted: June 25, 2013
I, too, am shocked by the reviews of the other parents. My child is in the Middle School, and I feel that the curriculum is very challenging and is on par with, if not higher than, the public schools. Plus, my child receives many benefits that other middle and elementary schools do not offer. Extra curricular programs, fun before and after care programs for kids of working parents, computer classes, foreign language, and technology worked in throughout the day in meaningful ways. There have been some other unhappy parents recently because the school has been cracking down on student misbehavior and really making an effort to hold students to the highest standard of behavior and moral character. Some parents may not be used to their children getting reprimanded and I think that is why they are unhappy. If you want a school that gives your child a great, academically sound, christian based education, this is the place for you!
Posted: June 11, 2013
This school is horrible. I am taking my child to public school. The teachers are rude to children. The headmaster is ancient and won't step down. He is a dictator and makes every decision there is to make, usually erring on the side of money. He passes the plate at every gathering, even when it's about the kids. They recently have had a high staff turnover and there is little consistency for the students. This place is a joke and not worth the $7K they charge. Don't enroll...
Posted: June 7, 2013
As a parent in a highly successful "public school" family (Master's Degrees, Ph.Ds and oh my, graduating from Edgewood High School no less), I do believe that it is the parents job to "set" the bar for expectations from their child. Private or public, most children will succeed if the parents encourage the value of a good education and trying hard to obtain one. The Harford County public school curriculum has many Advanced Placement courses which can help to lower the cost of a college education for many underprivileged students who deserve a college education but may not have the means to obtain one. That being said, it is a shame that so many parents on here feel it is beneath their children to attend a public school when so many wonderful teachers and AP courses are readily available to students who wish to pursue a higher education, even in our public high schools. Again, whether private or public schooling preferred, it really does start "in the home."
Posted: June 5, 2013
I really do not understand some of these reviews by parents. My child, had special needs, and I addressed issues that might arise, and at each level the teachers worked very hard and the progress showed. A review from a student that the school is too strict made me laugh, yes go to public school. Smart..... As far as strictness, I have always believed children will meet expectations. If you set them low (see public school) they will meet that expectation but rarely go over it. If you set high expectations, then your children will meet them also. It's about preparing your child for life, and giving them the tools to be successful. any parent who thinks that any school, not just Trinity is too strict, is basically saying I want it to be easy for my child. If that is the case go to public school.
Posted: May 15, 2013
They really pride themselves on curriculum and teaching the kids about the blessings God has for us. The parents are very involved some are not the friendliest, but that is expected. White shoes are part of the uniform, which is horrible for a child in Kindergarten. We have gone through 3 pairs of shoes.
Posted: May 13, 2013
All of the negative reviews are spot on. This school lacks the very principles that it boast. The atmosphere is thick with tension. No smiling faces from the staff/teachers. Simply put, you can get all of this "free" in public school.
Posted: May 1, 2013
This school is biased, greedy and has a "Penn State" mentality or code of secrecy. That forbid parents from speaking negatively in public about their school-you even have to sign a form stating so. The staff is miserable, rarely smiles, act as if you are bothering them (office staff and some teachers). Some teachers are verbally abusive to students. However, you are not allowed to speak of this (code of secrecy). Too many negatives to list. If seeking a private school education, spend a little more and upgrade to a school that values your child and you business. They do not practice what they preach or follow the golden rule.
Posted: August 28, 2012
Absolutely terrible. My son just started in the child care center and the staff for the most part are rude. In after school care, many of the teachers and assistants don't acknowledge parents or introduce themselves. I rarely see smiling faces and expected a bit more from the staff. Lack of communication in the classroom. No one bothers to tell you if something happens. The office secretary treats you as if something is wrong when you ask her a question. I don't get it. Someone needs to monitor closely in all classrooms because this is not the treatment that we deserve! I expected to at least see personable and friendly staff. I'm given the impression that some hate their jobs.
Posted: May 4, 2011
As a parent, Trinity Lutheran School is all that I could hope for my children and more. The staff and teachers provide a wonderful combination of challenging academics and Christian leadership. The students learn to be not only good scholars, but also good people. The communication between school and parents is unparalleled-- I have never seen a school that so actively shared information about current/upcoming events as well as their vision for the future. Not only are they dedicated to providing a quality education today, but the school is constantly adding additional programs and opportunities for students. I highly recommend stopping by and seeing for yourself the great things that are happening at Trinity Lutheran School.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laurel Woods | Condominium/Townhouse | Abingdon | MD | 3.2 mi | |
| 2 | Eaton Square | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Rosedale | MD | 8.4 mi | |
| 3 | The Greens at Locust Chapel | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Ellicott City | MD | 26.7 mi | |
| 4 | Landing | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Elkridge | MD | 26.8 mi | |
| 5 | Westridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Severna Park | MD | 27.1 mi | |
| 6 | Cape Arthur | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Severna Park | MD | 27.2 mi | |
| 7 | Canterbury Village | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Arnold | MD | 28.1 mi | |
| 8 | Carrollton Manor | Area of Town | Severna Park | MD | 28.2 mi | |
| 9 | Lake Village Town Homes | Apartment Complex | Severn | MD | 29.2 mi | |
| 10 | The Provinces | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Severn | MD | 29.7 mi | |
| 11 | Shelter Cove Luxury Apartments | Apartment Complex | Odenton | MD | 30.8 mi | |
| 12 | Midway Common | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fort Meade | MD | 31.6 mi | |
| 13 | Phythian Apartments | Apartment Complex | United States Naval Academy | MD | 32.2 mi | |
| 14 | Bay City | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Stevensville | MD | 32.4 mi | |
| 15 | Tidewater Colony | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Annapolis | MD | 32.8 mi | |
| 16 | The Residences at Park Place | Condominium/Townhouse | Annapolis | MD | 33 mi | |
| 17 | Harvest Run | Condominium/Townhouse | Odenton | MD | 33.1 mi | |
| 18 | Piney Orchard at Pinedale Courts | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Odenton | MD | 33.2 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baltimore | Baltimore | MD | 17.9 mi | |
| 2 | Anne Arundel County | Pasadena | MD | 24.4 mi | |
| 3 | Severna Park | Severna Park | MD | 27.1 mi | |
| 4 | Cape St Claire | Cape St Claire | MD | 28.2 mi | |
| 5 | Severn | Severn | MD | 28.3 mi | |
| 6 | Annapolis | Annapolis | MD | 32.8 mi | |
| 7 | Annapolis | Annapolis | MD | 32.8 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen Proving Ground | 11.4 mi. |
| Coast Guard Curtis Bay | 20.5 mi. |
| Annapolis Naval Station | 31.7 mi. |
| Fort Meade NSA | 31.9 mi. |
| US Naval Academy | 32.5 mi. |
